Agioi Omologites filled with life last Saturday during a car-free day organised by a local organisation.
The historic neighbourhood turned into a play zone from 10 in the morning until 10 at night, giving everyone the chance to enjoy it car(e) free!
Cyclists, pedestrians, and families flooded the streets, enjoying a plethora of activities, leaving cars aside, and adopting a more sustainable way of living.
People of all ages painted, sketched, played basketball, chess, and hopscotch… They walked around while learning about the history of the neighbourhood, enjoyed poetry, music, and had fun in the streets.
The Mayor of Nicosia, Charalambos Prountzos, was also present at the event, taking the opportunity to play table tennis, exchanging passes, as well as ideas about the future of the neighbourhood in a workshop organised by the local NGO OPU (Organisation for Positive Urbanism). Additionally, he toured ResArt multispace, ARTos, Aigaia art school, and the Politisiko Ergasitiri Ag. Omologiton, all of which opened their doors to visitors for the day.
Bicycles dominated the neighbourhood since the morning arrival of a organised bike rides through the linear park. In the afternoon, a large contingent, including the Dutch ambassador, Wouter Plomp, headed to the “Pame Kaimakli” event on a leisurely ride across town. Many tried alternative means of transport, such as scooters and bicycles, which Bolt and Nextbike offered for free for the day’s event.
Meanwhile, around 100 passengers had the chance to try the new 100% electric bus on a special route to Agioi Omologites provided by Cyprus Public Transport, enjoying poetry and stories from author George Papaconstantinou along the way.
The public’s response was extremely positive. Comments focused on the human connection that a car-free neighbourhood encourages, characteristically noting: “It feels like the whole world suddenly becomes more open with the very simple act of removing cars from the streets.”
The former national basketball team captain, Andreas Pilavas, who entertained young and old with a hoop-shooting contest, said: “We laughed and played without cars. The whole space was ours! And I hope that this Saturday and every Saturday (or every Sunday) we get this opportunity for the streets to close so that people can come out and enjoy our neighbourhoods.”
Many expressed their desire for such events to be repeated, embracing the idea of a more sustainable and friendly neighbourhood.
